William Burkitt on John 12:9

Observe here, It was not zeal, but curiousity, which brought these persons at this time to Christ; they had an itching desire to see Lazarus, to inquire after the truth of his death, and possibly after the state of the dead, and the condition that separated souls are in after death. Thus the miracles of Christ drew many followers after his person, who were never converted by his doctrine. It was the sin of many, when Christ was here upon earth, that they flocked after him, rather to gaze upon his works, than to fall in love with the worker. The multitude here came to Bethany, not for Jesus's sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also.